Editorial Reviews for Nominees
|
|
|
 Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
Why? is a fun, humorous, well-illustrated, and heartwarming children's book by Elena Kayne! This charming book explores the topic of childlike wonder, naivety, and innocence. Ella stars as the main character of this book—based on the author's daughter of the same name. Ella's curiosity gives the book both its name and its unique, entertaining sense of humor. See, Ella is about three-years-old, so the world is brand new to her. She still isn't sure what makes the sun go up and what makes the moon go down, she just knows that they appear to. She wonders why grass is green and why egg yolks are yellow. She wonders why the dishes have to be washed and why the soap is pink. She wonders why her skin becomes wrinkly when she spends too much time in the bath and why her belly button is pushed in (mistakenly written as "pushed it"). She even wonders if we really get cheese from the Moon. Thankfully, Ella's wise, experienced, loving, and understanding mom is always there to entertain and answer her questions. For example, she explains to Ella that grass is green because of chlorophyll. Ella believes that her mom is unusually wise and possibly has archaic or otherworldly knowledge, even exclaiming, "Mommy, was it a million years ago when you were little?" Honestly, that's the biggest unintentional diss in the history of our contest and also (arguably) the best moment in the book. It's certainly one of the funniest. That moment has competition though. Another great and funny moment is when Ella says that her grandma must take really, really, really long showers because of how wrinkly her skin is! That's hilarious. This book is well-illustrated by Tetiana Matikiv! Matikiv crafts some beautiful and cute characters including Ella, Ella's mom, and grandma. A particularly cute character is the family's curious pet dog who is present in most of the illustrations, adding some spice to them. This book does have a few notable weaknesses. First of all, it could've used some proofreading. We get the line "Why is my belly button pushed it?" instead of "Why is my belly button pushed in?" The word "Really" is repeatedly misspelled as "Raelly." Another issue with this book is that is sometimes seems to lack focus and seem random. For example, there's a scene in which her Ella's mom randomly misplaces her phone only to find it in the fish tank. She's all smiling afterward. In real life, most people would be flustered or angry that their phone got wet. There's a scene in which Ella stubs her foot and compares her toes to little piggies. This is cute and charming but also a bit random. There's also a speech bubble on page 13 that doesn't seem attributed to a visible character and is actually mixed up with some of the other text. The copy of the book we got was 100 pages long, but the second half of the book was a duplicate of the first half. Despite these things, this is still an entertaining, cute, and beautiful book. Check it out on Amazon!
0 Comments
 Score: 94+/100 (9.4+ out of 10)
The Ring Fold Chronicles Book 2: Blood of Time is just the book we needed to read at just the right time! Speaking of time, this is the direct sequel to one of the best time-traveling novels we've read: Ring Fold (Book 1)! Interestingly enough, though we were highly critical of the characters in the previous books (pointing out that many off them seemed stereotypical for their age and the time periods they come from), we found them engaging and lovable in this book. Seriously, we wanted to hug and squeeze these characters and never let them go! They're adorable and endearing. And that warm, positive feeling not only applies to the returning cast members (Jordan, Rocco, Steffi, Jacob, Carissa, and Scarlett) that also goes for the antagonists/opposing group: Tessandra ("Tess"), Parker, Raya, Logan, Jezebel ("Jez"), and Eliza. In fact, one of the key emotional notes and tragedies of this book is that most of the antagonists are not evil, they're just very troubled, manipulated, and misunderstood. They're victims, in a sense. In another sense, they're mirrors of the protagonists—just young people who weren't blessed with the blood-transfused abilities of the core cast. We're greatly appreciated that. In fact, let's talk about the incredible dynamics between the protagonists and antagonists in this book because—in many ways—these dynamics constitute the book's heart and soul. As alluded to before, the Ring return as "the protectors of the Fold, the guardians of the [linear] space-time continuum." For those who missed the first book, the Fold is essentially the mechanism by which time-travel can occur for the characters in the series. Think of it like a dimensional corridor that can branch out into other timelines or time periods. So, if the Doctor from Doctor Who has the TARDIS and Marty McFly from Back to the Future has the DeLorean, the Ring have the Fold. Unfortunately, they're not the only ones who want to use and gain control over the Fold. In the previous book, the heroes led by Jordan and her close-knit team—Steffi, Carissa, Paul, and Rocco—successfully defended the Fold against Tempus, a covert organization bent on exploiting time-travel for political and militaristic dominance. But that battle was just the beginning. In Blood of Time, the stakes escalate dramatically as a new threat emerges in the form of Darren Kraus, a former ally turned rogue, who has formed his own faction known as Team Kronos. Kraus, the main villain off the series, isn’t just interested in using the Fold—he wants to reshape time itself, recruiting a team of young, manipulated “Otters” who, like the Ring, have bloodlines tied to original Fold travelers. These recruits, unlike the disciplined members of the Ring, are unstable, untrained, and dangerously empowered through experimental means. As a result, what was once a carefully maintained and guarded system of time travel is now under siege from multiple fronts. The Fold becomes a symbolic and literal battleground—a fragile tapestry being pulled at from both ends. Jordan and her team must now fight not only to preserve history but to protect the very existence of the Fold itself, which if corrupted, could unravel reality as they know it. The Otters of Kronos—Tess, Parker, Raya, Logan, Jezebel ("Jez"), and Eliza—are not traditional antagonists. Despite being the "evil" or dark counterparts of the Ring, they aren't evil. They're gray. At times, they seem like the protagonists. They seem like they're trying to save the day, avenge their losses, and make the world a better place. Unfortunately, this means disrupting the linear space-time continuum, causing instabilities and paradoxes that lead to bigger problems. For example, what would happen if 9/11 were prevented in 2001? What would happen if the Bobby Kennedy assassination were prevented in 1968? Those questions are some of the big plot points in this novel. But going back to the Otters... They're just young people who were robbed of opportunities and—in cases like Raya's—robbed of their loved ones. They're broken, lost, confused, and angry. They all have chips on their shoulders and something to prove. Oh, and by the way, Raya has a very special motivation in this book. See, Raya is the daughter of Loretta Wretch, a Tempus agent and one of the main villains of the previous book who was slain out of necessity by Jordan. So, she has all the motivation she needs to blame and hate the Ring. Each of the members of Kronos has a unique charm that makes them compelling, even sympathetic, despite the threat they pose. Tess is wild and unpredictable, but underneath her fiery activism is a passionate heart that genuinely wants to change the world—she just doesn’t know how to channel it constructively. Parker, the tech genius, masks his insecurities with sarcasm and swagger, yet he's the most loyal of the bunch, clearly craving belonging and approval. Raya, cold and calculating on the surface, is carrying the weight of her mother's notorious legacy—trying to outpace it, rewrite it, or live up to it depending on the moment. And Eliza, volatile and tragic, serves as a warning sign of what happens when someone with power is abandoned by the very people who should have protected her. Together, the Otters of Kronos are less a team of villains and more a cautionary tale—a mirror of what the Ring could have become if they hadn’t found each other and been given purpose. That’s what makes them so dangerous: they’re not evil, they’re hurt, and hurt people with time-traveling abilities can do a lot of damage. But that’s also what makes them worth saving. You don’t want to see them destroyed—you want to see them redeemed. That moral tension is one of the most powerful undercurrents of Blood of Time. The Otters have very charming, childish, and human moments that endear them to the reader. Tess is excited when she hears the "Macarena," a song from her time-period (the 90s) and immediately goes to the dance floor wearing her cargo pants to start dancing to it. There are times like when Logan and Rocco each find themselves playing instruments on a band, each having a love for rock and roll music. Logan even develops a bit of a relationship with Steffi, which has its bright and dark moments. There are literally times in this book when the Ring and the Kronos members are side-by-side coexisting, and we couldn't help but ask: Could this just last forever? Why does it have to end? The two groups could make such great friends and allies if people like Darren Kraus were removed from the equation. Let's talk about Logan a little bit. Logan is from a very different time from most of the other characters despite his apparent age. He's a bit like Steve Rogers/Captain America, coming from the World War II era. This also makes him one of the more dangerous Otters because of his tactical experience and ability to use firearms. Thankfully, the Ring also has formidable members like Jordan, who is essentially Alice from Resident Evil. Jordan is a female wrecking machine who seems to be proficient at whatever fighting skills are needed at the time. Her fighting ability is almost supernatural. Years ago, we remember asking ourselves who would win in a fight: Jordan from The Ring or Gilraen from Jaralii Chronicles. That would be a great fight! But, for once, this isn't a book in which we looked forward to the fighting. This is a book in which we looked forward to the characters bonding and some sort of reconciliation. It's also interesting to see the characters try to interfere in events like the 1968 Senator Bobby Kennedy assassination and to see the results of that. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95+/100 (9.5+ out of 10)
Donald T. Hardison II does it again! A Break in the Silence is yet another heart-wrenching, powerful, and impactful memoir by Donald T. Hardison II! You know what they say: Fact is stranger than fiction. It also tends to be more interesting. While One Man's Journey mostly focused on Hardison's personal demons and his relationship with his father, A Break in the Silence focuses on Hardison's relationship with his son, Donald Michael ("Donnie"). It's the perfect follow-up to the previous book. One of the great tragedies and realities of human existence is that, as we progress in age and in life, we often grow apart from our loved ones who then move on with their own lives . People get married, have kids, pursue careers, or go on their own journeys. So, what was once a home full of family, camaraderie, and togetherness can become a much emptier and lonelier place. We saw it in Caleb's Adventures with Granddad by Christian Kueng. Ironically, we also saw it in One Man's Journey, something which Hardison references. It's a remarkable true story full of generational trauma and captivating real-life drama that's sure to resonate with readers. As alluded to before, this book follows Hardison's relationship with his son, Donald Michael. It's a beautiful, heartwarming, and heart-wrenching relationship with some of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It’s a relationship marked by innocence, joy, misunderstanding, separation, longing, and—above all—love. Donald Michael becomes not just a son, but a symbol: of lost time, of unanswered prayers, of hope deferred yet not destroyed. Through vivid memories—playing video games together, sharing laughter, witnessing his son's resilience—and through gut-wrenching moments of silence and distance, Hardison paints a portrait of a father's undying devotion. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it opens a vein. It’s raw. At times, it’s messy. But it’s real—achingly real. And in that vulnerability lies its power. What makes A Break in the Silence truly remarkable is its ability to take a deeply personal pain and transform it into something universally resonant. You don’t need to be a father—or even a parent—to feel the sting of estrangement, the burn of unanswered questions, or the desperate hope for reconciliation. Something we noticed is how well this book flows and how much it accomplishes in such a short amount of time. This book isn't particularly long. Yes, it's about 180 pages long, but these are short/small pages. This book flies! It doesn't waste your time or get too caught up in proselytizing or evangelizing despite its Christian message and direction. Christ is the direction. The story is the message. The action is the testament: the testament to how God's plan ultimately works out and how prayers are answered, often in ways you didn't see coming. With that said, it's interesting to note how Hardison continued to struggle and wrestle with unscrupulous members of the faith like he did in the previous book. He talks about confronting a pastor named Jamie who wasn't acting or behaving in a way representative of Jesus' teachings. Hardison talks about how this escalated into the pastor being removed and the church eventually shutting its doors. There are other powerful moments and scenes. Of course, this book seems to be building to a huge reconciliation that may or may not happen (you'll need to read the book). However, there are other great moments like the simple act of father and son playing the PlayStation 3 together, making it a regular habit. There's another moment in which Hardison suffers a broken collarbone due to an accident and his son is forced to step up, be a man, and drive him to safety. There's also a lot of tension and suspense here (surprisingly). One of the tensest and most suspenseful moments is when Hardison sends copies of his first book to his children, one of them sent to Donnie's mother in hopes of it reaching him. Hardison and his wife check the tracking on these packages like hawks, sweating on every update. That's oddly relatable. Have you sent an important package to a loved one lately only to have FedEx, UPS, or USPS leave you nervous about whether it will arrive on time or at all? Donald T. Hardison II doesn’t write to impress—he writes to heal. And in doing so, he helps others to heal too. This book is highly recommended for fans of emotionally honest memoirs and faith-driven narratives. It is a powerful testament to faith, love, and hope. Check it out on Amazon! You can also visit the author's official site to learn more.  Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
Your dream life or your dream girl—which would you choose?! That's the predicament that Beck from The Last First Date finds himself in. And it's quite a dilemma! The Last First Date by Jay Hall is a compelling romance novel that follows a seasoned businessman (consultant) and workaholic named Beck, a man who shies away from all commitments and close intimate relationships in favor of his career. Emotionally detached and disconnected from members of the opposite sex, he fills the void that lingers in his heart through exhilarating/risky activities like skydiving. We are told that he lives by Kobe Bryant's quote that he "Can't relate to lazy people." We are also told: “Every time he tried to move forward, one path failed. When he was engaged, his business had slipped. When he worked hard, his relationships failed.” We learn of previous relationships he had with people like the semi-pro volleyball player to whom he was once engaged or Sevda, the fiery-tempered woman from Azerbaijan whom Beck viewed more as a puzzle to solve (or problem to fix) than a serious companion. Time and time again, Beck chooses his career goals over relationship ones. Beck is oddly relatable in a lot of ways. He reflects subcultures found throughout the world that reflect ideals like the salaryman (in Japan) or Puritan work ethic (in America). He is one of those people who prioritizes work and career over personal attachments. Now, to be honest, this is archetypal and a bit cliche (even Peter Pan in Hook fit this mold), but it still works and is still compelling despite us seeing it dozens of times before. We learn some of Beck's motivations behind why he became a workaholic, and it's both ironic and relatable. He deluded himself into believing that success would actually get him hitched. We are told: "...he had been working under a false assumption for years—get success, get the girl." He is a man who stubbornly wants to stick to the script—the belief that success absolutely must come first and that the girl will follow. This isn't exactly a bad thing (you want to encourage people to fulfill their career goals) unless it's taken to the extreme, like in Beck's case. And what do you know? Beck not only gets offered his dream job (as a COO of a major company) which just so happens to be in his dream city (Las Vegas—Sin City itself), but he also discovers a remarkable and intriguing woman online at practically the same time. This remarkable, intriguing woman is the book's deuteragonist and love-interest, Sienna. Sienna is arguably even more compelling and likable when compared to Beck. A divorced nurse and single mother with a sharp mind, boundless empathy, and quiet strength, she carries the emotional weight of the story with quiet dignity. While Beck searches for meaning through success and motion, Sienna seeks healing, stability, and a rekindling of the idyllic life she once dreamed of. Her grounded worldview and self-awareness contrast beautifully with Beck’s restless ambition, giving the story its emotional center. More than just a love interest, Sienna is a portrait of post-trauma resilience. Her scenes—ranging from gym routines and public health work to shower reflections and single-mom struggles—are deeply humanizing. She doesn’t need saving, but she does long to be seen. In Beck, she finds not a rescuer, but a man learning to finally look at someone other than himself. Together, their story is not just about love—it’s about timing, courage, and unlearning the myths we build our lives around. In a world full of curated profiles and transactional relationships, Beck and Sienna's connection feels like a quiet rebellion: honest, flawed, and earned. While there aren't villains in a traditional sense, we do get a few notable antagonists in this book. For example, there's Sienna's husband/ex-husband, Jack, who also effectively serves as a foil to Beck. Like Beck, Jack deprioritizes his romantic commitments in favor of other things—namely, status, indulgence, and eventually, his own ego. But whereas Beck wrestles with the tension between ambition and intimacy, ultimately choosing growth and vulnerability, Jack doubles down on avoidance and self-interest. Jack serves as the main antagonist in Sienna's side of the story, often raising her hopes of reconciliation only to dash them like a glass vase against the floor. Another antagonist in the novel is Hayden, a corporate recruiter and member of the board who seduces Beck with a lifestyle of wealth and excess in exchange for him coming on board as a consultant and eventually as COO. What's strange is that Hayden is a bit of an antagonist, but he isn't evil, and he isn't doing anything inherently wrong. In fact, you could argue that he really admires and respects Beck. However, the circumstances of Beck's life and his interest in/relationship with Sienna complicate matters, making Hayden seem more like the devil on Beck's shoulder than just some guy who wants to hire him. Hayden is effectively the antagonist of Beck's side of the story. We also get some interesting (and even bizarre) side characters. Some of these characters even imply supernatural or even divine intervention like Wally, a farmer who just so happens to know everything Beck is going through before inexplicably vanishing. Was he an angel or was his ride just that speedy? There's also Callie, a receptionist who briefly appears in the book but made a pretty profound impact on Beck and us (the readers). Callie, like Wally, seems to know what Beck is going through. She recognizes that something—or someone—is keeping him from accepting the position. Callie reads the situation and seems to understand people. We also get some interesting characters on Sienna's side of the story like her son, Spencer, who is some kind of young genius or prodigy. There's her best friend Sloane, who acts as Sienna’s emotional anchor and comic relief. Sloane’s fierce loyalty, new-mom energy, and willingness to meddle in Sienna’s love life provide both heart and humor. Actually, come to think of it, Beck has his own "version" of Sloane in his life: his friend Randall, who serves as an example to him of what not to be. Randall is pretty clearly a bad role-model and influence on Beck, almost serving as a more extreme version of Beck himself (like a foil). Beside one on-again/off-again relationship, Randall completely abandons his relationships after a night or two. He is troubled in a lot more ways than that, and he seems to hold Beck back like crabs in a bucket. There's also Sienna's dog, Luna, a pug, who may be a nominee for Cutest Character. This book explores the ideas of serendipity and chaos theory: “Seemingly random events happen all the time. We don’t give them much attention because alone, they are unimpressive or dismissible. But when you look back at an extraordinary event in anyone’s life, chances are you will discover a series of these random events which had to occur for the fantastical to be realized." What are the odds that you get offered your perfect job in your perfect city at the same time you meet your perfect partner who lives hundreds of miles away? If you love romantic dramas... Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95+/100 (9.5+ out of 10)
Angeli Fitch does it again! Wow! Fitch's children's books never cease to entertain and amaze us. They never cease to make us smile and laugh. Poo and Order is a colorful, funny, and educational children's book, following in the footsteps of Fitch's other hits like The Poo Poo Bully and Claw School. This book isn't as dense as Claw School (in terms of content) and maintains the same laugh-outloud humor of The Poo Poo Bully, making this arguably Fitch's best book yet. Poo and Order centers around Mrs. McPoodle, a proper and highfalutin female poodle, who seems to hold some bigotry and prejudice, particularly against pit bulls. Mrs. McPoodle notices that someone (one of the neighborhood dogs) has pooped on her rose bushes. She can't imagine that the Dalmatian—with its lovely spots—did it. She can't imagine that the handsome Great Dane or Doberman did it. She certainly can't get her head around another poodle having done it, saying, "we're the most upstanding [dogs] of them all!" However, when a pit bull named Katori comes by to smell the roses in front of her house, Mrs. McPoodle is quick to jump to the conclusion that the pit bull did it. Katori finds himself charged with the crime of pooping on another person's property, accused by Mrs. McPoodle. Katori is represented by Ruby from The Poo Poo Bully and Claw School, who ironically should be able to see both sides of this case as the victim of someone pooing on her lawn and as a marginalized individual, being a black female cat with amblyopia (unable to see through one eye). Ruby has almost certainly faced discrimination and prejudice in her law career based on things she can't control (like her color, sex, or disability). Similarly, Katori is targeted because of something he can't control: his breed (analogous to race). Ruby (and this book) do an excellent job at demonstrating how the legal system works as far as evidence, burden of proof, fairness, and the presumption of innocence. Ruby doesn’t get emotional or accusatory—she simply sticks to the facts. She teaches readers, and the courtroom, that assumptions and stereotypes aren’t good enough to convict anyone. You need real proof. And Katori has it: a train ticket and time-stamped selfies that prove he wasn’t even in the neighborhood when the pooping happened. In a surprise twist, it’s Mrs. McPoodle’s own son, Noodle, who comes forward and confesses. He pooped on the roses because he didn’t want to miss the school bus and was too afraid to admit it. The courtroom gasps. Mrs. McPoodle nearly faints. And in that moment, she realizes how wrong she was to let her prejudice override her judgment. Fitch doesn’t just give us laughs and lovable characters—she gives us a civics lesson in disguise. Kids will laugh at the silly premise but walk away understanding truth, bias, personal responsibility, and forgiveness. This is especially valuable in a world where snap judgments and unfair accusations are all too common. The book ends on a hopeful note: Katori forgives. Mrs. McPoodle apologizes. And the reader gets a reminder that we’re all better off when we lead with fairness instead of fear. What a great way to explore deeper topics and issues like bigotry, prejudice, and racial profiling. Angeli Fitch delivers yet another charming, insightful, and socially relevant children’s book. Poo and Order isn’t just a giggle-worthy pun—it’s a powerful tool for teaching kids about justice, truth, and how to treat others. A must-read for classrooms, families, and anyone who believes in second chances. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
Imagine a world in which humanity is lost—where humans can be recycled. Imagine a world wrecked and ruined by air pollution, so much so that it has created a weather phenomenon known as "the Haze" that blots out the sun for weeks at a time, draping entire cities in a chemical fog. The Haze corrodes metal, burns skin, and warps electronics—drifting without warning, suffocating entire communities, and swallowing landmarks whole. No birds fly through it. No satellites see beneath it. It’s a creeping, sentient veil of man’s own making, a consequence so thick and toxic it’s come to be feared like a living entity. Imagine living in a dome where even the stars in the sky are artificial—pixelated constellations projected on a curved ceiling to keep the illusion of wonder alive. Children point up at patterns that never change, believing in a cosmos long since smothered. Outside the dome, the Haze coils like a predator, pressing against the glass with chemical hunger, testing for weakness. Inside, air is rationed, sky is coded, and seasons are nothing more than digital simulations. People learn to celebrate the artificial sunrise, to pretend the wind is real, to trust the filtered smiles of the Department of Happiness when they say everything is fine. But some remember—the scent of real rain, the glint of genuine starlight, the sound of birdsong now stored only in archives. And among them, whispers spread like contraband: of a time before the domes, before the Haze, before the lie. Because somewhere in the smothered world, the truth still flickers. Somewhere beyond the amber fog and dying machines, the stars may still be burning. Hidden. Waiting. It's a world dominated by domes and controlled by unscrupulous, manipulative figures like Worthington—essentially a cult leader turned politician who smiles for the cameras while offering manufactured-hope to millions. There are also organizations like LTE, a radical extremist group that seems to view humans as expendable and "no longer valuable," HERA (the authoritarian health organization), and corporations like Tommas Corporation, which is said to have polluted the water supply and turned it intermittedly gray. That's the world of There Are No Stars Here by J.S. Thompson, who (apparently) actually had a career in politics on top of years of political activism. It really shows in this book, especially with characters like Senator Aiesha and Manuel's venture into politics on behalf of District 1. But this book isn't all about those with power or those vying/campaigning for it. It's a book about people on the ground. Civilians. Citizens. Mothers like Solanis Tailor, arguably the central protagonist of the book, as she seeks a better life and world for her daughter, Gabby. We say "arguably the central protagonist" because this is really a book with a huge, sprawling ensemble cast of characters. It's one of those. And it's also one of those books with a huge, sprawling plot with huge, sprawling world. It's one of those too—one of those books that obsesses over the intricacies of the world and its world-building. That's ambitious, admirable, and all, but... if you've read any of our previous reviews about books with a lot of world-building, we consistently express the sentiment that too much is just too much. Excessive world-building can distract from the characters and the plot. It should enhance and complement rather than distract. You could argue that the world-building in this book facilitates the conflicts and struggles that the characters are going through, but... we honestly felt confused and overwhelmed. You could make the argument that this is the point: that this book is supposed to feel overwhelming and oppressive. This is what many of the characters are feeling, after all. You could argue that the world-building does complement the arcs of some (if not all) of the major characters. For example, Manuel's story centers around his separation from his mother, who becomes trapped behind "the York Line" in the breakaway Free Republic of South Texas (FROST). Furthermore, he endures a quest for survival and meaning after a devastating earthquake kills his father. Walter and Solanis discuss how they'll use Sirius (a star) near Orion's Belt (for much of the year) to connect with each other when separated by space ("when you look up, I'll look up too"), something that's made painfully ironic by the fact that the stars and constellations in the dome sky are artificial. But all of that kind of gets lost in the massive avalanche of information we're bombarded with. Furthermore, we're buried in a snow squall of characters and their many, many, many tangled relationships. Gosh, there are just too many characters and too much to keep track of. Let's just name a few whose names we wrote down in our notes: Worthington Manuel Aiesha Solanis Greg Gabby Walter (the book's other main protagonist alongside Solanis and Manuel) Childre Katia Tatiana Luna Leonardo President Rosenbaum (mentioned briefly as part of the world's history) Seban Ronnie Diego Winston Heidi Salazar There are maybe 20+ named characters in this book. There just seems to be too much happening in this book and too many characters. Because of that, this book feels so much longer than it is. It's dense. To top it off, we found it to be exhausting. We were tired and exhausted by the time we finished this book, and we desperately wanted and needed to finish this book. It was like a marathon. We would've much preferred a more focused approach with the scope of the book centered around Solanis and Walter or Manuel, not all of them intermittedly and all in the same book. The book shifts perspectives so many times, that it's really hard to like and get to know each character as an individual. Really, the world-building is supposed to be the star of the show. Again, it's one of those books: those books where the world is the main character. But let's not obsess over the negative stuff because this book does do some things right (or at least admirably). For example, the book tries really hard to provide little stories within this larger story, creating multiple motifs. Perhaps the biggest is the story about the monster and the phoenix. Monsters take advantage of people and destroy them. Phoenixes give people hope in their times of need and raise them up. This really explores the dichotomy between good and evil in this book, with good people like Solanis, Walter, and Manuel (phoenixes) doing their best to do the right thing while manipulative people like Worthington take advantage of the desperate state of the world (monsters). There's also another motif that we referenced earlier—the one regarding Sirius, the star near Orion's Belt (for much of the year). Both Walter and Solanis try to find it in times of need, of course failing to find the real version of it in the dome. This is sort of cheesy, but sort of beautiful at the same time. There are also plants that are used as motifs, specifically the white/"albino" monstera and the evergreens. It's extremely ambitious, but it's also a bit much. This is the author's first novel, and you can tell they were really trying hard to make a big splash. You can also kind of tell they must have read a whole bunch of books about writing and world-building, then spent months (probably) plotting, listing, and diagramming each and every character and aspect of this world. This is one of those rare cases when we wish this was a series and not a standalone book like this. A series would've allowed more of this book and its characters to breathe. Instead, it seems smothered and suffocated, which is sorta poetic and fitting considering the Haze in this book. However, it seems like a lot of great ideas that just got mashed together haphazardly. Let's talk about one more positive aspect of this book: Worthington. Worthington is a worthy antagonistic figure in this book. Gosh, we wish the book would've just focused more on him and just let him cook. Worthington is a lot like Immortan Joe from Mad Max: Fury Road. He's this cult leader with a hysterically devoted following who will make sacrifices (usually valuable items) to him and contend to be one of his "virgins"--"Worthington's virgins." It seems like everyone in his vicinity wants to do everything they can to please and gain favor with him. He has become like a deity on Earth. Oh, and here's another somewhat good thing we noticed about this book: how it explores the suppression of information and buried history/culture. Yes, there's this whole subplot about making some kind of chemical/medicine thing that can rewrite peoples' thoughts and erase their memories, making them more pliable and willing to do "what's needed" for the good of the utopia, but that's not what we're talking about. We're talking about the fact that written, digital, and oral history seems to exist in one way or another despite all efforts to suppress them. Some people remember the Bible and characters like Moses and Sampson, reminding the other characters. How is it possible for a book to do so much right and so much wrong at the same time? We'll close by saying that, for all its faults, this is an ambitious novel with a lot of imagination and fascinating concepts/ideas. It also takes on a lot of issues that are becoming increasingly relevant to today's world: climate change, the control of digital media and the flow of information, fanaticism, and the need for leaders to step up and do the right thing. Read updates about its release on the author's website!  Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
David Bush is back, baby! And he's back with a vengeance! Animal Revenge is the best book by Bush since General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms, our 2023 Fiction Book of the Year Runner-Up! Animal Quest was ok but also seemed bloated and meandering. Animals Divided had an interesting premise, but the long history lesson at the end of it was more interesting and entertaining than the story itself. But Animal Revenge just hits differently. It's engaging from beginning to end—cover to cover. So what makes this book so good? Well, it's the characters. It's the dynamics. This series always had ambitious character dynamics from Miaow & Jack to Jonas & Big Bertha, but Cassius, Flavia, and the Emperor just hit differently for some reason. We think we know why they work as the book's core trio. It's because this book is so much more focused than any other book Bush has submitted so far. All of his other books were filled to the brim with characters. There was always so much happening and so much to keep track of, compounded by all the craziness happening in the setting and time-period (Black Death, Great Schism, etc.). In other words, because other books in the series had so many characters and because the other books were so convoluted, it was often difficult to get emotionally invested. It always seemed like the focus of the narrative wanted to take you elsewhere when you really just wanted to stay with the characters and get to know them as individuals. For example, in Animal Quest, Lazy Bones (the cow), Stig (the goat), Woolly-Bo (the sheep), Magnus & Marcus (dogs), and Per (a piglet) all seemed like window dressing. They really didn't need to be in the story for the story to happen. Yes, they added some flavor (as farm animals tend to do), but they also weren't necessary. However, in Animal Revenge, the main characters are interesting, engaging, fleshed out, and understandable. Let's just start with our favorite character in the book: Flavia, the Emperor's adopted daughter and the le eminence grise (power behind the throne) of the falling Roman Empire. Flavia is such an interesting character because she's neither purely evil nor purely good. She's a gray character—somewhere in between. She's multifaceted, three-dimensional, dynamic, and—most importantly—interesting to read about. Despite having some pull and authority, she's still in an extremely tough situation sandwiched between two extremely powerful, influential, and increasingly-unstable people (Cassius and the Emperor), trying desperately not to set off a powder keg that would lead to a civil war. All the while, there are these Brownlandian invaders (similar to the Goths, Visigoths, and Huns) threatening to take the seat of power from without; meanwhile, the pugnaces (representing the Praetorian Guard) are on the verge of rebellion and assassinating the increasingly-unpopular Emperor. You could even add the discontent lions who show up later. The future of Rome is so uncertain and troublesome, and—what do you know?—nothing means more to Flavia than Rome. She would do anything to save it and to secure its future, even tempting, manipulating, marrying, and breeding with her dad's budding arch-rival, Cassius, a legendary war hero (akin to Julius Caesar) and a molossus dog. Unlike Animals Divided, Animal Revenge does an excellent job at explaining why the dog breed is so important int he context of the story. The characters aren't just dogs for the sake of being dogs. Cassius isn't just a molossus for the sake of being a molossus—being a molossus is truly special in the context of history as well as in the story. These huge dogs (some 200 lbs.) of the ancient world were treasured and highly-valued by the ancient Greek and Romans. They were seen as excellent fighters and guardians—the best of the best. They're like the Spartans of the dog world! Unfortunately, purebreed molossus dogs have pretty much gone extinct, although their genes still exist in large dog breeds like Saint Bernards and mastiffs. We imagine that Alabais probably share some genes too since they fit closely with the huge, fighter-dog description of the molossus. Anyway, Flavia plans to create a dynastic union and breed with Cassius, ensuring that their children will not only have a claim to the Roman scepter, crown, and throne, but also that their children will be physically and genetically superior to all of their competitors. They will be bigger, stronger, and—presumably—smarter than anything coming out of the other Landias. It would save and preserve Rome in more ways than one. Flavia is intelligent and clever enough to realize this. And those are some of the best things about Flavia: her intellect and her cunning. She is like a chess player, always thinking several moves ahead. Perhaps it would be best to set the scene a bit to explain why Flavia would come up with a plan like this. Her step-dad, the Emperor, is losing it. Not only is he losing his power and influence to all of these other forces, he's also losing his mind. He hinges on the idea that only fear can keep him in power, saying that, "Rome is red. Power is red, nothing can break it. They want blood, we give them more and more blood." In other words, the Emperor—the villain of this book (think of him like Caligula or Nero)—wants to use violence in the form of war, the colliseum, and executions to keep his grip on Rome. However, Flavia constantly admonishes him that he needs the love and support of the people. Cassius has the love and support of the people, which makes him the biggest internal threat to the Emperor's authority (alongside the pugnaces who very clearly despise him). Cassius isn't just any war hero, he is the hero who did what some said couldn't be done—what many other generals and soldiers failed to do: defeat and capture Jackat, a nigh-mythological enemy descended from Miaow, the legendary cat from General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms. Jackat actually becomes like a Force Ghost throughout the book, speaking to Cassius and causing him headaches. Remember when we said that Cassius is also becoming increasingly-unstable like the Emperor? Well, we weren't kidding. He hears voices in his head. But unlike the Emperor and unlike Flavia, Cassius is actually, genuinely a good person. However, Flavia isn't about doing good or doing the right thing, she's about doing the practical thing—about doing what's best for Rome. Flavia is a pragmatic person. She does what she needs to do to get from Point A to Point B, even if it means poisoning Maximus, Cassius's partially-blind and partially-paralyzed father-figure. Why would she do such a terrible thing? Well, because Maximus living and needing constant care and attention is the reason why Cassius refuses to move into the palace to live with Flavia. But Flavia doesn't just have Maximus poisoned and moves on with a clear conscience. It clearly bothers her. She tries to justify it by looking at the bigger picture. She tries to convince herself that Maximus was in very poor health and would've died soon after anyway. We see glimpses of Flavia's feelings of regret and remorse throughout the book. It seems like she's constantly trying to convince the Emperor to be less violent, to show some compassion and remorse, to spare Cassius (for example), and to limit or stop the bloodshed. Yes, there are probably more pragmatic reasons why she does this, such as preventing a civil war or a coupe, but you can also tell that Flavia has a heart. It might not be as big, shiny, and beautiful as Cassius's heart, but it is significantly bigger, shiner, and more beautiful than the Emperor's. Is she the lesser of two evils? Yes. But she also has the potential to be the solution and even the outright heroine of the story if only circumstances were different. Think about it: Flavia is step-daughter of an evil, sadistic tyrant who makes brash and irrational decisions. There's even a brief reference that her parents met a grim fate. Imagine growing up and living under someone like that. How would you expect that person to turn out good or even ok? Another example of Flavia having a heart is how she responds to the violence and slaughter of humans and animals in the coliseum. Yes, she claps but only to appease the Emperor and because the crowd is doing it. The look on her face is one of disapproval and even remorse. She looks and turns away from the bloodshed when she can. It clearly bothers her. If she were purely evil or as sadistic as her step-father, she would not react to violence this way. There's a scene in which the crazed Emperor bathes himself in sheep blood, and Flavia is absolutely flabbergasted by the waste of life. She's speechless. There's another scene in which she refuses to talk to her dad for some time because his cronies try to kill Cassius, a person she has gained respect and affection for. Flavia goes from being a manipulator and schemer to becoming Cassius's truest believer, saying, "Surely he will come" until her last breath. It's incredibly sad and tragic, actually, but also very powerful. Flavia ends up associating with and living with people whom the Emperor had persecuted and looked down on. It's an incredible, remarkable arc—one of the best in the contest so far. And let's just say that Cassius is a pretty awesome character too. Cassius is a badass. In one scene, he fights like 200 lions! Yes, he passes out and enters a death-like state because of a performance enhancing substance, but it's still pretty cool! He's sort of like Maximus from Gladiator in the sense that he gains favor from the masses that makes the Emperor jealous. Hey, we also learned a lot from this book. Did you know that there was a time in Rome in which 23 of 26 emperors were murdered, usually by their own Praetorian Guard? Wow, that's crazy! The writing is also eloquent, as you would expect from a David Bush book. The man just has a knack with words! We get the passage: "The breath that clouds the mirror clears, and the reflection is bright again. But the mirror is tarnished at last by breath upon breath until it rusts." We also get the passage: "So often reform is nothing but an attempt to transmogrify others into what the reformers are themselves, so content are they with their own perfected imperfections. And then, reformers are so full of hatred. They abhor everyone who disagrees with them, and they even come to loathe the people who don’t want to be reformed.” It's interesting to note that Flavia, who was a somewhat villainous character up to this point, is called a "reformer" in this section. There are actually some great analogies and metaphors used in this book, particularly as it pertains to the relationship between Flavia and the Emperor. Flavia is compared to a "glove" while the Emperor is compared to a "hand." We are told: "Flavia and her father are made for each other. He is the cart rolling downhill, and she has the hard job of being the brakes to prevent him smashing himself to pieces at the bottom." What's extra interesting about this is that Livia, Cassius's love-interest and a victim in all this, actually says, "Poor Flavia." So, when Livia and Flavia finally meet, with the fates of Livia and her family hanging in the balance, it's particularly meaningful. Now, to be perfectly honest, we would've preferred if Livia weren't in this book. We were really adamant about the Flavia-Cassius paring. Yes, we know it would be very political and gained through some degree of manipulation and homicide (of Maximus), but it would be cool. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 93+/100 (9.3+ out of 10)
Nurse Florence, What Are Some Healthy Habits? by Michael Dow is the best book in the Nurse Florence series yet! While this has been a children's book series with its fair share of problems, especially the excessive complexity of the writing, issues with character motivation, awkward framing, and less than optimal illustrations (at times), this book stands out as an improvement in one key regard: the illustrations. This is arguably the best illustrated book in the series, largely owed to the efforts of the illustrator, Alexa Arostegui. The characters look distinct, colorful, and detailed. The backgrounds are also multi-layered with good depth perception (for the most part), something that was sometimes missing from other books in the series. One thing about the illustrations that might be considered an issue is that Nurse Florence herself (as portrayed in this book) looks a little disproportionate. She's a big, muscular lady. She kind of reminded us of Raquel Rodriguez from WWE or Abby from The Last of Us Part 2 (video game). However, the one issue with that is her head: it's disproportionately small, in our opinion. She almost looks like a reverse-caricature, instead of having a big head and small body, she has a small head and a big body. On page 33, her head is literally tiny compared to the rest of her. We think she's supposed to be portrayed as muscular, fit, and healthy, which is cool. This Nurse Florence (there's a different one in each book) clearly puts a lot of effort into her body. We see that in scenes in which she's lunging, stretching, and flexing. Fitness is a huge part of her life, which makes her a good example for kids and adults alike. The other characters in this book are some of the best illustrated characters in the series. Each one is diverse (racially and ethically) and distinct. Our favorite illustration in this whole book is just seeing the three girls laughing together. It's so nice to see genuine human emotion and expression properly presented in this series. Something good about this book is that it applies to everyone, not just a niche group of people with one condition. Everyone can make an effort to live a healthier life. Everyone can learn (or be reminded) of some way to live healthier. This includes predictable things like sleeping regularly, eating breakfast, and exercising. However, there are more unorthodox (yet effective) recommendations like practicing mindfulness. We also love how the narrative of this book is open to alternatives and other options. For example, it acknowledges that some people don't have big appetites during breakfast time, so the book invites readers to consider smaller snacks like fruits and granola bars. The book also acknowledges that not everyone enjoys exercising or the same forms of exercise, but there are fun things like dance, sports, and tai chi that could help fill the gap. Gosh, we really wish that the author could work with a co-writer who could help them craft the writing in these books in a more organic and natural way. It often seems contrived and unnatural. Once again, the characters seem to lack adequate motivation. Like, why would they just randomly want to learn about healthy habits? It may have been better if there were an inciting incident like someone getting over illness or the characters noticing how fit and healthy Nurse Florence is (which would've worked in this book considering how buff and jacked she is). All of these books tend to be framed and presented oddly. Like, we're almost always introduced to Jean, Sonia, and Condi who find themselves doing something for some reason. There's rarely a story behind why they're doing it or why they ask Nurse Florence about certain things, they just do it because the book requires it. They're written in this really stilted way. Dow already found a better illustrator, could he maybe find a ghost writer or a co-writer who can tidy this up? Could you image how much better this book could be if the characters were doing something more dynamic than sitting in one place talking about what they should do? However, we applaud the improvements in this book. Check it out on Lulu!  Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
We LOVED Gigglet Goes to School by Amber Berkowitz! We didn't love it because it was exceptional or extraordinary. We didn't love it because the illustrations were mindblowing or because the message knocked us out of our seats. No. We loved this book because it was simple, sweet, and adorable; and sometimes that's what you need! We really needed this book. We've read so many dark, depressing, and even dull books that really got our moods down. We've read all of these big, colorful books trying to say these big, colorful things. It becomes a bit much after awhile. Well, Gigglet Goes to School isn't like that. It's a book about an adorable, lovable little pig named Gigglet going to school and living her life with love and laughter. Something needs to be said about that. Gigglet is an anthropomorphic little pig with no special powers, no big destiny, and nothing really huge to do in her day (in the grand scope of things). She isn't trying to save the world. She isn't trying to change or shake the world. We're literally told that she goes to school to "learn and play." She's just trying to live her life with cheer and happiness in her heart. And that just brought a smile to our faces! Pepa, eat your heart out. There's a new cute, girly piglet in town! We join Gigglet as she awakens beside her mother, then heads off to school. She write, she paints, she dances, she eats, and she naps—all the things that Outstanding Creator Awards nominees and winners love to do! Well, that and overconsume caffeine (which Gibblet refrains from doing). She also plays and picks flowers on the way home from school. In a sense, she exemplifies what it means to "stop and smell the roses." So many of us—kids and adults alike—live like clockwork. We find ourselves on hamster wheels, believing that we're working toward something—surging toward a goal without appreciating the small steps, accomplishments, and blessings in between. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and eye-catching. They're sure to appeal to children. The text is big and short, meaning that this is a really easy book to read with your kids at circle time or before bed! Another great thing about this book is how it encourages kids to notice and practice their phonetic pronunciations of like-sounding words. For example, we get: Scribble & Squiggle Crunch & Munch Swish & Swash Nestle & Nuzzle Tumble & Stumble Snuggle & Cuddle All of these words are short and simple—easily comprehensible by children. Furthermore, the pictures help to illustrate what each of these words means. This book also champions the beautiful relationship between a mother and her child. Yes, the child is independent from her mom for much of the day, but she begins and ends her day with Mama Pig. There's clearly safety, security, and trust there. And, of course, Gigglet and Mama Pig are all smiles! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95+/100 (9.5+ out of 10)
Hello, Japan! is another excellent children's book by Ekaterina Otiko! It is adorable, entertaining, and—most of all—educational, just like the previous installment in the Sophie & Stephie Traveling Sisters series that we read (and fell in love with), Hello, England! First of all, it's so nice to see all of these cute, adorable characters again. Sophie and Stephie lead the cast, two adventurous, spunky, curious sisters from California. There's also Globik, a "magical globe," Spots & Sparkles (two rambunctious pups), a turtle, and an incredible intelligent parrot who teaches the other characters (along with the readers) about the different places they visit. Along the way they meet other friends like Yoshi, whose family serves as a bit of a host and a guide, feeding, housing, and including the sisters in different activities like a traditional Japanese theatrical performance (kabuki) and showing them the national sport, sumo. Oh, and Yoshi's Shiba dog also joins the party! This book is incredibly rich and ambitious, sharing a lot of great trivia, Easter Eggs, vocabulary, and even pronunciation guides for the vocabulary. We were incredibly impressed! It also teaches readers quite a bit about Japanese culture. Perhaps the most interesting thing in this book is how the characters/author explain what different colors mean in Japanese culture. For example, red is said to ward off evil spirits (which explains why it's on different shrines), and orange symbolizes love and happiness. We also get to see and explore a lot of the different locations in Japan, not just Tokyo! There's Kyoto, the capital for 1,000 years, Fukuoka, where the big sumo wrestling competitions take place, and Osaka, Yoshi's hometown and location of one of Japan's most famous and picturesque castles. And that's not all! The characters visit Mount Fuji, Snow Monkey Park, and more! There's so much to see and learn in this book! Check it out on Amazon! |
Archives
August 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed
